While the spirit is brittle and must be treated gently, the will is made of steel. If you have a strong-willed child in your family, I am sure you already know it. You don’t need anyone to point him or her out to you. Typically smart, confident and loyal, strong-willed children show a remarkable capacity …
The blessed rains have ceased, just in time for us to welcome our Preps, Year 1 and 2 students into the Kitchen Garden. Praise God! We are beginning winter here in Southern Queensland, which is merely a blink and it’s over for our ‘cool-season’ crops. We planted some broccoli and cauliflower seedlings amongst the pollinator-attracting …
One of my favourite picture book authors is Mem Fox. You might know of her work with Australian timeless classic titles such as Possum Magic, Koala Lou, I’m Australian Too and Where Is the Green Sheep? just to name a few. Written almost 20 years ago, Mem Fox’s book written for teachers and parents called Reading …
I often have many parents chatting with me about building more resilient children. Maybe their young people are struggling with friends. Maybe they are finding some particular learning a challenge and they just want to give up. The list goes on! I know in our house things can be challenging at times and sometimes it …
Year 3 had an exceptional time at their very first overnight camp! Students had an amazing time experiencing nature and building wonderful memories and connections with their friends. While at camp the students participated in many exciting outdoor experiences including; big games, obstacle courses, JR zipline, team building and mini catapult. Students stayed positive even …
On 23 – 25 May, GCC Primary had Writing Consultant Ann Korab run professional development workshops with the Primary teaching staff. This professional development consisted of an afternoon workshop with all Primary teachers and three full-day workshops with Year levels 1, 4 and 6. Ann Korab is a highly experienced consultant who specialises in Narrative …
It stayed dry enough, for long enough, for Year 5 to enjoy a day at the Gympie Gold Museum this last Monday. Driving along the Bruce Highway under patchy blueish-grey skies, our hearts were full of hope to strike it rich, panning for gold. Upon arrival, the students had a short morning tea break before dividing …
This May our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 cohorts have been participating in NAPLAN. For our Year 3 and 5 students, this was their first ever NAPLAN experience. For our Year 7s and 9s, they haven’t completed NAPLAN since they were in grades 3 and 5! This is because NAPLAN was cancelled back in …
Well – what a fantastic bunch of Nursery Rhyme characters joined us for school today! It was like they stepped out of a book! The Preppies looked amazing! Everywhere we walked throughout the school today they were greeted with “Oooohs” and “Aaaahs”, “They’re soooo cute!” and “I wish I was still in Prep!” We started our day with a …
Last week Year 6 had a very exciting visit from ‘Big Bang Science’. We all learned about electricity and how it flows through wires and other materials like metal. Freya from ‘Big Bang Science’ used a large electrical device and pressed it up against a metal trolley. The electric device made sparks that looked like …
Consequences – nobody likes them; however, they apply to everyone, children and adults alike. Whether ther are imposed on you or are natural from doing something silly or foolish; they really are important because they help us to learn. Consequences in your family may look different from other families, which is absolutely fine. You know …
On Wednesday 4 May, nine bright minds from Year 6 participated in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition run by the Australian Maths Trust. Students in Year 6 who demonstrated excellent mathematical problem-solving skills were selected by their class teacher to participate in the competition. These students included; Mitchell O’Shea, Jeremiah Cooper, Indigo Hetherington, …
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition (CAT) Read More »
If you have walked past the front of the Prep Maroon classroom, you may have noticed the “makeover” that has happened in our class garden. It was looking a bit tired and sad, with our chrysanthemums, parsley and a very dubious pineapple plant, but not anymore! Recently one of our students and his family kindly donated their time, …
This term the Year 4 cohort is learning about the diversity of Australia’s First Peoples and the long and continuous connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country and Place. On Wednesday the Year 4s assembled in GPAC to listen and watch our very own Mrs Aliti McGaven give a very special presentation …
Chess Club continues to thrive at Glasshouse Christian College! More than 40 students have come along so far this year to just have a go, learn to play or join our in-house competition. On Friday, we entered two teams into the annual Interschool Chess Competition organised by the Sunshine Coast Independent Primary Heads Association. It …
I hope all our mums, grandmas and all female caregivers had a lovely day last Sunday, celebrating ‘MUMS’. Even if you are not a ‘mum’, caring for a child is an enormous responsibility, so days like last Sunday are important for the children to thank the significant female in their lives, who cares for them. …
“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.” ~Jewish Proverb It is said that God couldn’t be everywhere, therefore, He created mothers. Every one of us feels that our mothers are special to us and there could be many reasons for the way we feel. There are no words that can express a …
Instead of lining up outside their classrooms at the beginning of term, Year 6 set off on their annual camp to Emu Gully near Helidon. What a great way to start the term! Not knowing what to expect, they eagerly boarded the bus with a positive attitude and a sense of adventure. With grit and …
I can assure you that the school day is full of exciting learning opportunities that are well planned and creatively thought out by our amazing staff. From the front seat of the car on the journey home or perhaps sitting around the dinner table, you ask the age-old question – ‘how was your day?’ The …
Did your child really do nothing at school today? Read More »
As we returned to school for another term of opportunity and possibility, it was wonderful to see lots of smiles as parents and children came onto the campus, as children caught up with friends and shared stories of holiday adventures and fun. Being generous with our time, our talents, showing acts of kindness and caring …
Last term, the Prep classes went to the Events Centre in Caloundra to see Sam McBratney’s beautiful story “Guess How Much I Love You” come to life. We started our special excursion day with a picnic morning tea together on the front “lawn” of Prep Maroon with all three classes, the teachers and teaching assistants …
As the term comes to a close, thank you to all the parents who attended the Parent Teacher interviews this week. It was wonderful to reconnect and also have time to sit, chat and gain insight into the learning and progress that the children have made throughout the term. Although the term has had its …
Tip Two Life is so, so busy! We spend so much of our lives rushing from one place to another. Our children grow up in the busyness of it all. Take time for yourself and your family. Make it a priority! We don’t want to look back in 20 years not knowing who our children …
Homework is one of the most contentious issues discussed in Primary Schools. Many parents demand more, others less and teachers and children are often stuck in the middle. Homework can provide opportunities to practise skills, review content and deepen understanding of concepts learnt. At GCC the main focus of homework is literacy based. While our …
One of the loveliest things we do in Prep is “Buddy Time”. Once a fortnight, or so, Year 6 classes come to each Prep class for a visit. The older children come to read books, play games and can help the younger ones with tricky craft activities. The children are paired with the same buddy for the …
Last week, eighty-five excited Year 4 students headed off to Luther Heights Youth Camp up on the wonderful Sunshine Coast for a 3 day fun packed camp adventure. Students experienced team and individual activities that were both challenging and rewarding, ate appetising food, experienced great weather, climbed steep hills, witnessed amazing scenery, grew friendships and …
Was your child born with a manual on how to raise them? Mine either. That would be an awful lot of child-rearing manuals across the world as each child born is unique and special, especially in the eyes of God. God may not have given us individual manuals, however, He did give us some very …
Bullying is when one person (or a group of people) with more power than someone else deliberately and repeatedly tries to upset or hurt them. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying involves misusing any power that a person has to harm someone else, and might involve …
The children have enjoyed learning about insects and bugs. The most popular insect at the moment is grasshoppers as we have had many jump around. This has intrigued the children to learn about them, so we researched some facts. Gracie even wanted to make a bug house ‘Let’s get the big boxes and make a …
The beginning of the school year is an exciting time. One choice that comes around quickly for students is selecting their extracurricular activities for the first term and also looking at the options that are available to them later in the year. It can be quite overwhelming with so many choices available and so this …
Praising your child can go a long way in encouraging desired behaviour and outcomes. But, according to Psychologist Carol Dweck it makes a huge difference how we praise. We often praise our children because we want to motivate and encourage them to do their best in the things that they do. While there is nothing …
Kamusta! Meet our Compassion sponsor children for 2022! Arheanna (Prep), Migz (Year 1), Rhyver (Year 2), Anasandra (Year 3), Jerry (Year 4), Prince (Year 5), Jeanine (Year 6), Christina and Sylwin (Middle School). They are all from the Philippines, most from the island of Cebu, with one living on the island of Leyte. Every week …
It was so lovely to see all the children come through the school gates on the first day and settle in so well into their new learning spaces. It was a long break, and I know the last few weeks in our house seemed to really start to drag. Screen time definitely increased in the …
It is with great joy that the Primary Honours Program will be starting back up for 2022. With the classroom fully ready and the resources all set, the students are keen to get started this week! The Honours Program has been developed for students in Years 3-6. The students who have been invited to participate …
Being a great leader is all about having a genuine willingness and a true commitment to guide culture, make a difference and lead others to achieve a common goal by being a positive influence. No leader can ever achieve anything great or long-lasting all alone and so teamwork is very important and goes hand in …
Last week was the first week of “big school” for some of the newest members of the GCC family. The Preps invited a special friend to class for the day to help celebrate this milestone. Prep Maroon was the “scouting party” and went exploring new areas of the College and came across the perfect spot …
Teaching our kids the joy of responsibility I started my first job at the age of 14 at Best and Less, Hobart. I was a bit of a ‘deer with headlights’ in my first quarter of a year there probably because I found it so challenging, having more responsibility than ever before. Mr Copeland, my …
Our Christmas concerts, spreading the message of Hope at this Christmas time, were such a blessing to us all. The children sang and performed with joy and enthusiasm and it was wonderful that so many families could join us. PRIMARY BACK TO SCHOOL 2022 To assist with your planning for next year, here is some …
There was also great excitement in the air this week, when year 5 designed and created arcade games made from cardboard. This technology project was inspired by the YouTube video “Caine’s Arcade” and we spent a lot of week 8 designing, constructing, testing and then playing our arcade games! We had basketball, hockey, pool tables, …
It has been a delight as we have shared in many celebrations over the past few weeks and acknowledged the many successes and gifts and talents of our amazing students. 2021 has been another busy year with some purposeful changes. It has been an exciting time and the teaching team have been focussed on building …
As we round the final corner of Term 4 – thank you Read More »
Year 6 is learning all about geological science, particularly volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. We have been studying sudden movements of the earth’s crust and the subsequent impact. After detailed research into some of the most serious recent natural disasters students collaboratively made a working model showing the geological event. This will then be filmed in slow motion and used in …
PRIMARY NEWS AND NOTICES As we speed ahead to the last weeks of Term 4 and the end of a school year, there are a few important events coming up and a few reminders to share with you. It’s that wonderful time of the Year – Christmas cards and candy canes With Christmas fast approaching …
On Tuesday the 19 October, all three Prep classes went to the zoo near the Big Pineapple. The weather forecast had not been good but God answered our prayers and it was a beautiful sunny day. The children were all very excited as we set off on the bus! We listened to a talk about …
Students from Year 3 had an amazing time on their excursions to Bankfoot House last week. Each class went on a separate day and were very excited to board the bus and learn about our local history. Students participated in four rotational activities, learning about life at Bankfoot House and the people that once lived …
At the end of Term 3, the girls in Year 6 enjoyed a special day out to explore issues relating specifically to them as they head into their next stage of education in Middle School. They were treated to an amazing day up at Tranquil Park in Maleny, where they devoured a scrumptious morning tea …
Creativity is a lot of fun and the results can bring us such joy! In Week 9 of Term 3, the students in Year 1W made some extra special sock puppets. We have been learning about how people in the past used what they had to make homemade toys for children. This was a cost-effective solution. We …
With the end of the term just around the corner, I would like to say how much I have appreciated your patience as we have had to make adjustments to meet Covid-19 guidelines throughout the term. Your support has given us the opportunity to run events as normally as possible and it was wonderful to …
Father’s Day is almost here and we wanted to remind all our dads of all the reasons we celebrate you. Dads are Rough and Tumble We love our dads because they rough and tumble, play wrestle and air toss. They are less afraid of pushing the limits and this sometimes makes mums cringe, but we …
Last week Year 5 went on an amazing adventure to our camp at Boulder Creek, just near Gympie! After quite a long bus trip, we all found ourselves at the camp in the middle of the bush! We could hear the birds singing and we got to see some native wildlife including a little echidna …
Year 6 have once again turned themselves into mad scientists! We have been delving into the exciting world of scientific enquiry with a focus on fair testing and identifying dependent and independent variables. Our journey began with investigating mouldy bread and rusty nails in our own class experiments and classes are now taking turns to …
